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Harwood optimistic on search for doctors

The mayor noted that the doctor recruitment process for Clearwater appears to be making progress

Clearwater town council had a familiar face at the helm during its Nov. 5 meeting.

Mayor John Harwood was back in his chair after missing the meeting of Oct. 15.

“It's been a bit of a health struggle,” Harwood said. “I would like to thank (councillor) Shelley Sim for stepping in as acting-mayor.”

The mayor noted that the doctor recruitment process for Clearwater appears to be making progress.

Dr. Steve Broadbent started work locally at the beginning of November. He came to Clearwater from England with his wife and two children.

A female doctor from Romania is getting her Canadian qualifications in Vancouver and is expected to arrive here next August.

“We're looking to have four or five doctors here to be at the level we'd like to be,” Harwood said.

The mayor noted that Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital has had success in finding new workers for departments such as its lab, and is searching for a new physiotherapist.

Weather station coming

Clearwater town council approved a recommendation from its own economic development committed to approve the expenditure of up to $55,000 to help pay for an automated weather station.

“We are often asked why Clearwater is never mentioned in weather reports,” said Mayor John Harwood. “Now it will be.”

Funding will also be sought for the project from Wells Gray Community Forest and TNRD Area A (Wells Gray Country).

Environment Canada is expected to put in at least $26,000.

The weather station would be located near the eco-depot on Camp Two Road.

The regional district would rent out the space at the cost of $1 per year.

It is anticipated the data gathered would be used for many municipal operations, emergency services, forestry, agriculture, aviation, highways, as well as providing real time data for people locally, regionally and globally.

Figure-skaters seek funding

Jennifer Wadlegger, president of Raft Mountain Skating Club, asked council to consider contributing $2,000 to help purchase backdrop and side curtains for the Sportsplex.

The club has asked Thompson-Nicola Regional District Area A (Wells Gray Country) for another $2,000, and is prepared to contribute $1,000 itself, she said.

They then hope to get another $5,000 from Wells Gray Community Forest to get the $10,000 needed for the project.

The present backdrop curtains are made of black plastic, are full of holes, and are not fire retardant, Wadlegger said.

New curtains would not only be used by the skate club during presentations but also would be useful during conferences and trade shows, she pointed out.

They would be the property of the Sportsplex, not the club.

Raft Mountain Skating Club has been in existence for 35 years, she said.

A registered Skate Canada club, it has about 40 skaters this season.

A program called KidsSport allows youngsters to take part, regardless of income.

Skaters from the club have gone on to become skate instructors, performers with Disney on Ice, and professional hockey players.

Mayor John Harwood said, in keeping with town council's usual practice, the matter would be referred to staff for recommendations and would be brought back at a later meeting for a decision.